Boko Haram: Why Konduga will serve term in SSS custody

By Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin 

Konduga

The fear of attack by Boko Haram members is the reason why its jailed spokesman, Ali Sanda Konduga, will serve his three-year term in the State Security Service (SSS) custody, it was learnt last night.

Prosecutor Cliff Osagie requested Chief Magistrate Oyebola Oyewunmi, who convicted Konduga, to allow him serve the jail term in the custody of the EFCC. The request was granted. This is contrary to the expectation that he would be sent to the prison.
It was gathered that Konduga is also assisting security agencies with information on the sect.
The source added: “With the sensitive information at the disposal of Konduga, he has been labelled a ‘security risk’ by Boko Haram and he cannot survive in a normal prison.

“In view of its  antecedent, Boko Haram will kill Konduga wherever he is serving his prison term.
“Having cooperated so far with security agencies, it is ideal to protect him because he has more or less become an agent of the state.
“And the state cannot expose him to unnecessary risks. He is also assisting agencies with intelligence on the Boko Haram sect.”
Also, less than 48 hours after fresh charges were filed against him at the Federal High Court, Senator Ali Ndume has decided to fight back on his alleged sponsorship of the Boko Haram sect.

The embattled Senator yesterday raised a legal team to battle for his bail.
He has assembled a five-man legal team headed by Mr Rickey Tarfa (SAN).
It was learnt that the team has been allowed access to Ndume for preliminary briefing.
A source said: “He has being in detention since November 3.  The Senator has decided to fight his cause by getting a crack legal team led by Tarfa.

“We won’t reveal other members of the team yet, to avoid being hounded by security agencies. 
“So far, the four-count charge has amounted to nothing. We will secure Ndume’s bail, and  Nigerians will hear his own side of the story. He told us that he is not a terrorist. He will surely open up.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “The real battle has to do with Ndume’s bail; he needs freedom to tell his story better. The state wants to detain him until the conclusion of his trial but he said that will jeopardise fair hearing.”

A member of the family said: “Each time we got in touch with him, he always maintained his innocence. That is why we are ready to back him.”
The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) yesterday urged the federal government to charge members of the Boko Haram sect found culpable in wanton killings of people in parts of the country with murder under the criminal and penal codes.

NIREC also called for a “general review of security administration” following rising cases of violence and insecurity. 
The council, co-chaired by  President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saa’d Abubakar and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, also warned the government not to succumb to external pressures on same-sex marriage. 

It commended the passage of the anti-same sex marriage bill by the Senate and urged the House of Representatives to follow suit.
President Goodluck Jonathan attended the opening ceremony of the meeting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Tuesday. In a communiqué issued at the end of its second-quarter meeting held in Ilorin, the body described the activities of Boko Haram as a menace and urged the government to address it effectively along with other security threats.

The National Coordinator and Executive Secretary of the council, Prof Isaq Oloyede, read the communiqué.
The communiqué reads: “The Boko Haram menace and other security threats in the country must be effectively addressed by all means. Shedding the blood of innocent persons is an abomination before God and clearly condemned by our faiths. It is also a crime against the laws of the nation. Anyone found culpable should be charged under the criminal/penal code with murder.

“The council calls for a general review of security administration for effect and commends the Senate for passing the Bill against same sex marriage because the practice offends the moral sensibility of our people. Council urges the House of Representatives to promptly follow suit. Council urges the government not to succumb to pressure from any external group to undermine the shared values of the country.
“The council strongly condemns corruption and urges the government to vigorously address the menace. Council calls on government and the private sector to create jobs for the teeming youth and reduce poverty in the land.

“Council appeals to the Federal Ministry of Education to effect the directive of government that the teaching of Christian Religious/Islamic Studies should be compulsory in primary and secondary schools to curb anti social behaviour among the youth and emphasise that War Against Indiscipline and Corruption should be re-launched and vigorously prosecuted in Nigeria.
 Council also advocates the re-introduction of projects and programmes to strengthen family values as a basis for building a strong and disciplined society.

“On the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Council appeals to ASUU to suspend its strike and avoid unnecessary disruption of the university education in the country. The government should re-appraise the issue/accord reached and implement same without further delay.”

The communiqué also urged Christians and Muslims and especially religious leaders to continue to dialogue in order to promote peace and religious harmony. It appealed to religious leaders and stakeholders to avoid provocative or reckless preaching and utterances which are inimical to peace and harmony in the country.
Council equally “appreciates the President for addressing the council on the issue of fuel deregulation and urges the government to carry out wider consultations with other stakeholders.”

SOURCE; The Nation. 8 December 2011. http://www.thenationonlineng.net